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The 13th season of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL 2026) has reportedly been postponed. The tournament, which was expected to take place this year, is now likely to be held in 2027. According to media reports, the delay is mainly due to problems related to the league's broadcasting rights and ongoing discussions over a new media deal.
According to a report by Khel Now, the existing broadcaster has reportedly offered only around half the amount of the previous media rights agreement. Due to this major difference in the proposed deal, the parties involved have decided to take more time to reach an agreement.
This development has disappointed kabaddi fans, who were waiting for the announcement of the new season. The delay has also raised questions about the future schedule and broadcasting arrangements of the league.
PKL 2026 Postponed: Why Has Pro Kabaddi League Season 13 Been Delayed?
The biggest reason behind the reported postponement of Pro Kabaddi League Season 13 is the uncertainty over its broadcasting rights.
The five-year media rights agreement between the league and JioStar ended after the conclusion of PKL Season 12 in October 2025. Since then, the league has reportedly been without a confirmed broadcasting partner.
Discussions for a new media rights agreement have been ongoing, but no final deal has been signed so far. The report also suggests that there has been limited interest from potential broadcasters in the open market.
As a result, the organisers and other stakeholders have reportedly decided to take more time to resolve the broadcasting issue before moving forward with the tournament.
PKL 2027 New Schedule: When Will Pro Kabaddi League Season 13 Start?
Kabaddi fans may have to wait until next year to watch the action return. According to a source quoted in the Khel Now report, Pro Kabaddi League Season 13 is unlikely to begin before June 2027.
This means the 2026 edition will reportedly not take place as originally expected. However, the exact start date, match schedule and other tournament details are yet to be announced.
The final schedule is expected to depend on the outcome of the ongoing broadcasting rights negotiations. Fans will have to wait for an official announcement from the organisers regarding the new season.
PKL Broadcasting Rights Deal: What Is Causing the Delay?
The financial difference between the previous and proposed media rights deals is reportedly one of the biggest reasons behind the delay.
According to the report, the existing broadcaster has offered around 50% of the value of the previous agreement. This difference has made it difficult for the parties involved to finalise a new contract.
The report also indicates that the open market has not shown strong interest in the broadcasting rights. This has further complicated the negotiations and delayed the planning of Season 13.
₹905 Crore to Half: What Happened to the Previous PKL Media Rights Deal?
The previous media rights agreement covered five seasons, from PKL Season 8 to Season 12, and was worth approximately ₹905 crore.
In 2021, Mashal Sports, the organiser of the Pro Kabaddi League, conducted an open auction for the media rights of five seasons with a base price of ₹900 crore.
Star India, now part of JioStar, secured the broadcasting rights for around ₹905 crore, slightly above the base price.
However, the latest offer from the existing broadcaster is reportedly worth approximately half of the previous deal. This significant reduction has become a major challenge in finalising the next agreement.
PKL Team Owners Approach Sports Ministry Amid Season 13 Delay
The uncertainty surrounding the tournament has also raised concerns among franchise owners.
According to the report, Pro Kabaddi League team owners have approached the Sports Ministry to seek guidance on the current situation. The move highlights the concerns surrounding the future planning and commercial structure of the league.
With the broadcasting agreement still unresolved, the organisers and franchise owners are waiting for clarity on the next steps.
Pro Kabaddi League 2027: What Should Kabaddi Fans Expect Next?
The reported postponement means fans will have to wait longer to see their favourite teams and players in action.
The tournament is now expected to return in 2027, with June being the earliest possible starting window mentioned in the report. However, the official start date, complete fixtures and broadcasting details are still awaited.
The new media rights agreement will play an important role in deciding the future schedule of the competition. Until the deal is finalised, uncertainty over PKL Season 13 is likely to continue.
Important Update: The postponement and June 2027 timeline are based on media reports. An official confirmation from Mashal Sports regarding the new season and its schedule is still awaited.
